Baked Goods
The Pie Shack (Annette St.)
The Pie Shack, the wildly popular Beaches source for flakey peaches and cream goodness, has opened a second location for west-enders. Its new shop, at the corner of Annette and Clendenan near the Junction, has barely been open a week and is already having trouble keeping up with demand. "Sorry, we ran out," manager Dayle says to customer after customer as they drop in, keen on taking home a savoury pie. "We'll have them next week; come by early!"
Most don't leave empty handed-though, and tote a fruit pie as they head out the door. 'Escort,' rather. They are escorted out the door.
"We really want to create a friendly, neighbourhood atmosphere, so we have a particular way of doing things," Dayle says. "If you buy a whole pie, we'll walk you out the door; we'll sometimes give kids a free glass of milk with their slice, that sort of thing.
This sense of community is not a Pie Shack import, but a tradition upheld from the space's past life as a sandwich shop run by much-beloved resident Peter. Pie Shack owner Tim McConvey found the available shop after Peter had passed on, but wanted to make sure Peter's presence was still felt in the newly adopted space. So he kept some of the original fixtures, such as the shelves, counters, and stools, and created a little nook labeled "Peter's Corner," where kids can help themselves to candies by dropping a quarter in a glass jar.
But most everything else in this west-end shop is akin to what you'll find in The Pie Shack in the Beaches. There's the giant (terrifying) stuffed deer by the entrance, an old glass-topped door serving as a communal table, and the same spread of fruit and meat pies (when available, of course) created just for The Pie Shack by a Beaches resident named Norma. "We get them fresh everyday," Dayle says when I ask about supply. "Though Norma's really working hard in order to keep up with demand."
The Pie Shack offers whole pies for $25, individual slices (1/4 pie) for $6.00, and coffee, tea, ice cream and more to go along with the main attraction. I'll admit, I was a little surprised at the price; are they churning their own butter? But Dayle assures me it's worth every penny.
I opt for a slice of cherry pie and it truly is fantastic. The filling is plush with nice, plump cherries and the crust is flakey, buttery, and a little sweet. I swear it tasted as though they really were churning their own butter. Needless to say I had no leftovers, and would happily folk over more dough (excuse the pun) for a slice of bumbleberry, apple cinnamon, or an elusive chicken or beef pot pie.
Photos by Jesse Milns
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BOL regardless and welcome to the Junction
While many of us are still coming to terms with the fact that Pete's has closed after so many years, it is nice to see your store reopen in its place.
One minor quibble -- it just doesn't feel right to see Pete referred to as Peter in an article like this (or on the Peter's corner sign in the store). He was never known as Peter when he ran this store. Everyone knew him as Pete. The store was "Pete's" (and occasionally the Sunny Bar) but never "Sunny's". This was the case when I went to Annette and Humberside schools (the 90's) and when my parents bought grilled cheese and candy from Pete in the 60's. Even his Toronto Star obituary referred to him as Pete.
See: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2234158990 for a great collection of anecdotes from many of his customers over the years. A copy of his obit is also available at: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=2234158990&;topic=1896
Worth the pie ... and the visit.
Chicken pot pie impressive -- so full with chicken-veggie-flakey pastry goodness. Tad on dry side, though. Need to pack more of that seasoned gravy inside pie or offer it as a side to pour on.
Good luck.
The best pie I have had was at a place called Farmers market in St. Catharines, when I lived there over fifteen years ago.
I cannot believe my husband picked up 2 pies. For a total of $50! Never again. Rip off! Overhead or no overhead, you are totally rippingnoff the customer.